Manager, Track Construction

The final salary will depend on the candidate's qualifications. Those with 8 years or more of required experience can expect offers up to the midpoint of the salary range. Metra provides full pay ranges so candidates can consider their growth potential.

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Qualified veterans who meet the minimum requirements will receive outreach during the recruitment process in accordance with Federal and State laws, including the Illinois Veterans Preference Act. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview or job offer. The most qualified candidate will be selected.

Metra is one of the largest and most complex commuter rail systems in North America, serving Cook, DuPage, Will, Lake, Kane, and McHenry Counties. The agency is linking communities in Northeastern Illinois by providing safe, reliable, and efficient commuter service.

Engineering is responsible for building and maintaining the majority of Metra's fixed assets, such as buildings, stations, bridges, track, electrical, telecommunications and signal systems. The Engineering Department also monitors the condition of and assists in building and maintaining the fixed assets on the freight lines where Metra trains operate. The Engineering Department is divided into two major groups: Capital Projects, and Communications and Maintenance.

Reporting to the Director Track Construction, the Manager Track Construction will manage the construction and maintenance of track, right of way projects, and capital track gangs (up to 60 union positions); ensure compliance with Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and Metra standards; direct and coordinate track inspections and evaluations; and oversee the preparation of plans, estimates, and specifications for track projects.

The primary duties include: Plan, organize, review, and manage track construction projects and supervising project staff including tie gangs, surface gangs, and welders. Responsible for all special track services including rail testing, grinding, and welding; material management, and services provided under the Rail Grinding and Geometry Car contract. Function as subject matter expert resolving complex railroad problems involving track design, standards, clearances and consultant issues at various stages of project completion. Prioritize track and right of way needs, prepare work schedules, and gangs, machine operators, and welders. Monitor projects for compliance with funding agencies and management requirements, policies, and quality standards. Approve time off, coordinate staff schedules, fill vacancies as necessary, and ensure compliance with departmental and company policies and objectives. Decide/implement staffing decisions, performance evaluations, and performance improvement, disciplinary, and/or termination procedures. Make recommendations regarding hiring, performance evaluations, disciplinary and/or termination procedures. Responsible for the safety objectives, goals, and program of the organization ensuring compliance with applicable safety rules and regulations. Works under both inside and outside environmental conditions under prevailing conditions of heat, cold, rain, and snow. This position is subject to random drug and/or alcohol testing. Perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Metra is a railroad employer subject to the provisions of the Railroad Retirement Tax Act, not the Social Security Administration.

1. Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field or in lieu of specified degree, any combination of education and experience may be substituted for the required degree that equals four years in track maintenance and construction.
2. In addition to #1, must have six (6) years track construction and maintenance experience.
3. Must have two (2) years supervisory experience that includes day-to-day employee management, assigning tasks, providing guidance and training, monitoring performance, conflict management, budgeting, hiring, disciplinary and/or termination.
4. Considerable knowledge of FRA Track and Maintenance of Way standards, materials, and track construction techniques.
5. Considerable knowledge of track structure and the identifications of track defects.
6. Considerable knowledge of materials, tools, and equipment, and labor used in the construction of railroad tracks.
7. Considerable knowledge of occupational hazards and safety standards.
8. Considerable knowledge of welding techniques.
9. Good knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local regulations and standards.
10. Good budget planning and management skills.
11. Good analytical, organizational skills, and problem-solving skills.
12. Good supervisory and project management skills.
13. Good verbal and written communication skills.
14. Skill reading and interpreting engineering designs and specifications.
15. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
16. Ability to supervise and train staff on welding techniques.
17. Ability to oversee and participate in the coordination of complex construction projects where independent judgment and discretion are required.
18. Ability to understand and apply provisions of labor agreements.
19. Ability to be first responder for all disasters, derailments, and weather-related issues concerning track and right of way.
20. Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
21. Ability to stand, walk, and/or sit, for extended periods of time.
22. Hearing/Visual acuity, far/near, depth perception, field of vision, color vision.
23. Ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds.
24. Must be able to operate a vehicle.
25. Must be willing to travel within and outside of Metra's 6-county region.
26. Must be available on-call 24-hours/day, 7 days/week, 365 days/year, including weekends and holidays.
27. Metra employees in an active review period under the current discipline policy or who have documented attendance or performance issues will not be considered and/or selected for this position.

Please note: Regardless of any state laws that legalize marijuana, Metra prohibits applicants and employees' use or possession of marijuana (or marijuana paraphernalia), or having detectable amounts of marijuana in their bodies, including synthetic and/or non-synthetic substances such as THC for any reason for preemployment screening purposes, while on duty, subject to duty, on Metra property, or in Metra work equipment and vehicles.

Metra is committed to ensuring that our career website and recruiting process are accessible to all individuals. For general assistance, please contact talentacquisition@metrarr.com. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, participate in interviews, complete any pre-employment testing, or engage in any other aspect of the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to the Reasonable Accommodations Committee at RAC@metrarr.com.

Metra is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. It is our policy to fill vacant positions with qualified candidates without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, gender identity, disability, or any protected categories, assuming an individual can perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.